Mommy, Buy Me a China Doll

by Harve Zemach, Margot Zemach (Illustrator)

"When Mommy wonders how to get a china doll for Eliza Lou, Eliza suggests they trade Daddy's featherbed...The ridiculous swapping of sleeping places is aptly portrayed in strong, boldly drawn, colored illustrations which underline the humor and folk quality of the lilting cumulative verses. A deliciously funny picture book for small children."-Booklist

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sorting through my picture books to make more room and this one has a note saying it was a Christmas present for me back in 1978. I remember loving this silly “building” story when I was little. A little girl is seduced by the wonderful China doll a peddler is selling and suggests they sell her dad’s bed to pay for it. Each successive suggestion is equally glee-inducing, leading to the little girl eventually falling asleep in her mom’s arms, dreaming of a doll.

These illustrations are amazing.

[Rachel B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the repeat

[simone ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

it never said if she actually got the doll tho...

bottom line: I like picture books and my reading challenge does too. bonus points for the illustrations!
four stars

[Nanny B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on a song, so it's repetitive.

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used in music class for 2-3 year olds. Grown-ups and children loved it.

[Olivia Lavelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mommy, Buy me a China Doll reminded me of the book we discussed in class " There was an old Lady who Swallowed a Fly." The structure of those books are quite similar, because it started off with one scenario and it lead on to be a repetitive story. I don't quite like reading these kind of children books that repeatidly say things over and over agian, but I do think this is good for children because it allows them to join along with the story/reader.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up thinking it might turn out to be a good persuasive text. Unfortunately, that wasn't how it turned out. However, this was a nice example of a building text, similar to The House That Jack Built. I could use this in the future. The text stands up today nearly as well as it would have almost 50 years ago when it was written. A nice book.

[Bonnie Pohlig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite funny, as the girl comes up with a way to get the money for a china doll. Repeats the words over and over, so kids could join along. Nice pictures.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

1996 Daddy read these for Alissa's bedtime stories. They had a ball.

1998 Alissa's still having trouble understanding consequences for actions. Aren't we all?